622.

Perhaps the Universe thought I was bored, with Mercury turning direct and all.

There is major family drama brewing, courtesy of my father's wife.

Well Jesus take the wheel honey because she has dragged me into the fray and I am not a willing participant.

I love my daddy and regardless of who's right or wrong, he is my primary concern.

While I extend my time and my ear to her, I don't consider our relationship a close one. She has sent entirely too much negative energy and drama my way in the 20 years she and my dad have been together.

I tolerate her because of their relationship.

I respect my father's right to live however he sees fit, with whomever he sees fit as well as his ability to make decisions for his own life.

However, the situations that have required my attention lately are causing me to question whether or not they need professional intervention in the form of a visit from social services.

Neither of them is in good health and his wife has allowed a family member to move in, one who makes my father uncomfortable leaving his wallet laying around.

Over a period of years, this has caused much friction between my dad and his wife, often resulting in her calling me to complain about situations as well as my dad's reactions to them.

She woke me up with one of those calls this morning. But I don't think the call went according to whatever plan she may have had, resulting in a few choice words exchanged between the two of us.

Wrong move lady.

In the past, I was willing to be a mediator.

Today was my last day on the job.

I cannot sacrifice my own mental health worrying about something outside my control.

If my father decides he wants to live peacefully in what could be his last year (or even months) of life, I'm happy to help him relocate to my place (or somewhere else) for whatever time he has left.

If he decides to stay where he is, I'm prepared to send the authorities to check on him as I deem necessary.

I ask that all who read this join me in sending positive thoughts, affirmative prayer, and positive energy to the resolution of this situation.

Thank you in advance.

Amen.

621.

So one of my daughter's best friends is snowed in with us.

The girls have been having fun eating, watching movies, and giggling all day.

But now that night has fallen, things have taken a more serious turn.

Apparently my daughter and her friend have degrees in psychology, psychiatry, or extensive life experience in the topic of the hour.

(Who knew?)

I say this because I'm eavesdropping as they counsel a mutual friend (via Skype) on the faux pas he has committed in his love life.

And these teenage girls are laying down some heavy stuff, using three- and four-syllable words, as they lovingly but sternly (that would be Baby Bliss) attempt to help him better his average.

I'm impressed. And a tiny bit jealous.

No way did I know this stuff at their age.

Even if I had known, I'm pretty sure I couldn't have articulated it in the way they're doing it.

Watch out Dr. Phil.

620.

The weather...

It's only a few degrees above freezing outside and we're awaiting a winter storm that will bring a little  snow and lots of icy rain our way.

According to my weather app, it's snowing already.

I'm watching television in the living room.

It feels like the world is poised silently on the edge of an abyss, watching for the imminent storm to come swirling up and out.

My thoughts: gratitude for having a warm place to sleep, food to eat, and emergency supplies if it comes to that.

I also hope anyone in need has been/will be able to get to a safe warm place and will be allowed to stay for the duration.

Who ever you are and where ever you're reading this from, I hope you are warm and safe too.

Amen.

619.

Mercury retrograde brings the past back to life...

For me, it's always men from my past.

So far I've heard from two of them.

But nothing to see here folks.

We've moved past each other's orbits for a reason and I have no intention of synchronizing our gravitational pulls.

Okay, maybe for a lunch date or two. I am still single. But definitely not breakfast or dinner. Those meals are more... intimate somehow and should only be shared with those we truly cherish. (Or business associates if, despite one's best efforts, the lunch slot is unavailable.)

And by "date", I merely mean a time set aside to meet a person for a specified activity at a specified location that in no way includes anything remotely romantic.

A brief hug, possibly a peck on the cheek to say hello and good bye.

(Which is where the line might blur for some but I'll be sure to mark it precisely, with a black Sharpie and sprinkle it with gold glitter, so that everyone sees it.)

There will be no hand-holding, no fluttering eyelashes, no adult innuendo, no long languid staring into each others eyes.

I'll wear something flattering and perhaps put on heels. I'll do my face and wear a bit of fragrance.
Because one never knows who one might meet whilst traipsing the streets of midtown...

*sigh*

There may or may not be more to this tale.

How much longer is Mercury in retrograde?

.

618.

The weather was beautiful for my date.

We spent an hour at lunch, sitting close enough to a window for me to enjoy the sunshine. After, we drove to a nearby mall and walked a few laps to work off the carbs.

In addition to the requisite hello and goodbye hugs, we shared good conversation, lots of smiles and laughter, held hands when we got a bit more comfortable with each other...

Side note:  We didn't interlock fingers, something I'd previously never noticed one way or the other when holding hands with a potential suitor.

I thought about it again once I got home, which led to a bit of research on what the connotation might be. I found this: What Different Types of Hand-holding Can Reveal About Your Relationship.

So back to the main topic...

When we decided we'd had enough of the mall (and perhaps each other) for one day, he "led" me to my car. (His word.)

But we weren't done just yet. We spent another 20 or so minutes in the parking lot, talking, laughing, checking out and speculating about a beautiful car that caught his eye, expressing our pleasure at the time we'd spent together.

He also did me a big favor. It was something I'd been meaning to do for myself, hadn't gotten around to, and it could have gotten me in a bit of hot water with law enforcement had one of them noticed.

Angels descend when I need them and yesterday he was my angel. To say I am thankful is a serious understatement.

When we finally said goodbye, in addition to the hug, I kissed him. Not on the lips and nothing seductive or wanton. Mostly as a "thank you" for the favor but also because I liked his energy.

Usually I'm the one getting kissed at the end of the date...

Over an hour later, I called him to let him know I arrived home safely (as he requested). We chatted a few minutes then rang off.

He called me later in the evening and we talked a bit more.

He also called me this morning.

We have a lot in common and I believe I may have found a new friend.

Perhaps more.

Time will tell...

Amen.

617.

I'm enjoying a lively conversation with my daddy.

616.

It's 2:39 a.m.

I need to get up by 10 a.m. for a 1 p.m. date.

Time to snuggle the pillows.

Good night, sweet dreams....

615.

Nothing like 60 degrees of sunshine in the middle of January!

I'm thankful.

Amen.

614.

Perhaps I should have started post 613 by saying "Happy new year", since it was my first post of 2016.

Je regrette.

Happy new year everyone!

My New Year's Eve celebration was low key. I spent the evening with a friend, starting with dinner at his place. We relaxed after with conversation and a few movies. By the time the ball dropped, he was snoring in his bed and I was in his living room on the sofa, giving thanks for the year that had passed and the one just starting.

Low key and gratifying.

Back at the ranch, Baby Bliss hosted a party for a few friends. It's the first party she's ever hosted as an adult, something that made her nervous in the days preceding the event.

I returned home to the remnants and BB's joy at its success.

Speaking of holidays, I have yet to put our Christmas tree away. The tree is tiny, maybe 25 inches tall. There might be 15 little shiny balls on it, possibly 10 crocheted icicles, a short string of lights. This year we added a few candy canes and a miniature angel to top it.

It might take 30 minutes to put away the decorations, disassemble the tree and pack it away. I think the tree remains intact and sparkly because I enjoy looking at it.

Que sera, sera...

613.

Hello folks.

Seems too many good times have been rolling my way in the past month or so and now it's catching up with me. Thankfully, I'm able to make my own schedule and am therefore able to rest when necessary, which I've been doing.

Amen.

My next goal is to get more relaxation, of the sunshine-y beach kind.

Baby Bliss and I didn't have what I consider a real vacation last year. There just didn't seem to be a good time for it.

This year, it has to be a priority.

I've been researching all-inclusives in Aruba. One concern I have is that she likes to sleep until noon on vacation and I like to hit the sand as soon as the sun wakes up. Not necessarily a deal-breaker but I don't understand why anyone should vacation at the beach on a beautiful island and then sleep half the day away.

Especially on my dime.

There's also the issue of no cell coverage for us in Aruba. Baby Bliss's issue, not mine. She's at the stage where her access to social media is all important.

*sigh*

There's a possibility I will be going to Aruba without my child.

Switching gears, if any among you are eligible to open an account at Navy Federal Credit Union, they have a few promotions right now that might benefit you.

Google their website and check out what they're offering.

More later...